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Academics at Pittsburg State University


    The Pittsburg State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to helping its students make the adjustment to their responsibilities as student-athletes at a major NCAA Division II institution. To help facilitate this process, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics sponsors a comprehensive Academic Enhancement Program, headed by Academics & Compliance Director Natalie Cullen.
    The primary objective of the program is to help young men and women become efficient and successful students and to aid them in coping with the new and rigorous demands placed on them in college.
    The Academic Enhancement Program has three main goals as well: to assist freshmen student-athletes with the transition from high school to college; to help sophomores and juniors clarify major and career goals; and to assist fourth and fifth-year seniors with the transition from college to graduate school or the professional work force.
    The program has five components to help student-athletes succeed.

Academic Advising
    The faculty advisor is assigned to each student at the time of his/her initial enrollment at Pittsburg State University. This advisor is the first and foremost expert on academic matters within the major he/she has chosen. Students consult with their faculty advisor for help with registration, schedule changes, declaring or changing majors, and major requirements.
    The athletic academic advisor supplements the role of the faculty advisor. This individual advises student-athletes on matters of athletic and academic eligibility according to NCAA, MIAA, and University rules and regulations. The athletic academic advisor also conducts grade checks at mid-semester, oversees the class excuse policy, monitors athletic eligibility and answers general academic questions about course scheduling and tutoring.

Study Sessions
    In order to help students get their time well organized, approximately 2-5 hours per week of monitored study sessions may be assigned. Factors used in determining the number of hours that athletes may be required to attend are high school, transfer, or Pittsburg State grade-point average or the request of the athletic academic advisor or coach.
    Conflicts with or excused absences from study sessions must be arranged in advance. Emergencies may arise and/or students may get sick; however, all students are responsible for notifying the athletic academic advisor if they cannot attend at the normally scheduled time. Remember, students are required to make up any missed time so they can still fulfill their weekly time commitment.

Tutoring
    Tutoring services are available to all Pittsburg State students through a variety of departmental labs across campus. If a student-athlete thinks a tutor is needed, he/she must see the Athletic Academic Advisor or the professor as soon as possible.

Required Courses
    Student-athletes may be required to take all or a combination of the following courses in order to enhance their academic studies.

Undergraduate Studies 100
The Freshman Experience (2 credits)
Provides assistance for a successful transition to university life by emphasizing personal, social, and academic skills through the utilization of critical thinking processes.

Undergraduate Studies 101
The Transfer Student Experience (1 credit) – optional
Provides assistance for a successful transition to university life by emphasizing personal, social, and academic skills through the utilization of critical thinking processes.

HPER 200 Lifetime Sports (1 credit)
Student-athletes earn credit for participating in their respective sport(s) and weight training/conditioning activities.

PSU Student-Athlete Enhancement Components
I.   Academic Commitment
     Freshmen/New Student Orientation
     Academic Advising
II.  Athletic Commitment
     Diverse Sports Programs
     Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
III. Personal Development Commitment
     Guest Speakers
     Drug and Alcohol Education
IV.  Community Service Commitment
     Outreach/Volunteer Projects